In a significant relief initiative, Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has successfully operated mobile energy hubs across eight communities in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth parishes over the past fortnight. These temporary facilities provide critical support to residents still awaiting full electricity restoration after Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic Category 5 impact.
The strategic deployment targeted severely affected areas including Bethel Town, Ashton, Grange Hill, and Petersfield in Westmoreland, alongside Braes River, Southampton, Brighton, and Springfield in St Elizabeth. These locations represent what utility officials term the ‘last mile’ of restoration efforts—communities where extensive infrastructure damage and difficult terrain have considerably delayed power recovery.
JPS’s innovative hubs offer multifaceted assistance: residents can charge mobile devices, access high-speed internet through SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, obtain personalized customer support, and enjoy recreational activities including music and games. This comprehensive approach addresses both practical needs and psychological wellbeing during the prolonged recovery period.
Company representatives confirm these pop-up hubs will rotate through additional affected parishes in coming weeks. Current restoration statistics indicate JPS has successfully reconnected approximately 93% of its total customer base, with ongoing work across all hurricane-impacted regions.
The initiative reflects JPS’s dual strategy of simultaneously rebuilding physical infrastructure while maintaining community engagement during extended recovery operations. The unprecedented hurricane severity necessitated this innovative approach to customer support beyond traditional utility services.